UCLA looks to continue its torrid 6-0 start to the season as it hosts Michigan State at the Rose Bowl in Week 8.
My Michigan State vs. UCLA predictions and college football picks see a low-scoring contest where the underdog has a bit of value.
This contest kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Who will win Michigan State vs UCLA: Michigan State +14.5
I'd play Michigan State at +14 or better.
UCLA has been a breakout team, but it's time to sell high after a 6-0 ATS start. The offense has mustered just 17 points in each of its last two games, and quarterback Ty Dieffenbach has as many career interceptions as touchdowns (10).
The Spartans certainly aren't a world-beater, but they've shown some verve with a one-point loss to Illinois and a three-point loss to Northwestern. They're 5-2 ATS despite being 2-5 straight up.
In what should be a low-scoring slog, I'd rather back the two-score underdog.
COVERS INTEL: Dieffenbach has 12 career turnover-worthy passes and therefore doesn't best position UCLA to take advantage of Michigan State's greatest weakness; a banged-up secondary.
TOP PICK
Michigan State vs UCLA Over/Under pick: Under 42.5
The Bruins operate at a slow tempo, ranking 125th in seconds per snap (29.4). They've managed to put up crooked numbers against downtrodden defenses, but that's not predictive moving forward with a backup quarterback.
Michigan State is 2-5 O/U and would prefer to keep this contest low-scoring. Its offense is inefficient (119th in EPA per play) and struggles to generate big plays (133rd in explosiveness).
The most reliable unit on the field is UCLA's stingy defense, ranked second in EPA per play allowed. Bob Chesney will hope to ride that defense to a playoff berth, resulting in low-scoring games.
Michigan State vs UCLA combo
UCLA's defense will have success, but what about the offense? Our first glimpse of the Bruins sans Nico Iamaleava was a 17-point effort where the defense carried the weight.
My expectation is for more of the same in Week 8.
Michigan State vs UCLA combo
- Michigan State +14.5
- Over 42.5
- Over 23.5 1H
- Top picks: 11-7, +3.21 units
- Combos: 7-11, +20.62 units
Michigan State vs UCLA odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Michigan State +14.5 | UCLA -14.5
- Over/Under: Over 42.5 (56%) | Under 42.5 (50%)
- Moneyline: Michigan State 15% | UCLA 85%
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Michigan State vs UCLA weather
Weather won't impact this contest, with ideal conditions expected at the Rose Bowl.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Michigan State vs UCLA trend to know
The Under is 4-0 in Michigan State's last four road games. Find more college football betting trends for Michigan State vs. UCLA.
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How to watch Michigan State vs UCLA
| Location | Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
Michigan State vs UCLA latest injuries
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